I don’t want to see any crap from any of you, or I’ll make you run laps until you pass out.”
The van immediately goes quiet. Nerds do not like to be threatened with physical activity.
I dart my gaze around the van as Raz explains that we’ll be stopping for dinner halfway through the drive. I cannot make eye contact with him. I just can’t. I also can’t explain why my heart is suddenly racing, my throat has contracted, and my palms have gotten damp. I rub them on my skirt to dry them off, but when I do, William slips his hand down and traces his pinkie finger over the back of my hand.
I freeze, and my eyes fly up to the front. I meet Kastros’s gaze in the rearview mirror, and his jaw is tight, like he knows exactly what’s happening.
I drop my eyes to my lap and watch William’s hand for a second. His fingers are so long and graceful compared to mine.
Raz’s voice cuts through my contemplation. “There will be another car caravanning with us. I have some family who are going to the same place.”
Confused, I turn in my seat to see an electric blue Dodge Charger screech into the parking lot. Akor is behind the wheel. And in the backseat, giggling like a maniac, is Adam. I want to jump out of my seat and throttle him for driving so fast with my little brother in the seat. But Kastros starts up the van, and all I can do is twist in my seat, my hand pulling away from William’s, so I can peer out the back window in time to see Van and Zolroth walking toward the car and climbing in.
Guess we’re all going on a little field trip.
Two hours into practicing with William, I’m simply amazed. He hasn’t missed more than ten questions.
“Do you have a photographic memory?” I ask, setting the cards down on my lap.
He gives me an easy grin. “I guess.”
From behind him, Janie grumbles quietly, “Can’t remember to call me back though,” as she sends yet another string of texts out into the world. She’s tried once or twice to steal his attention, but eventually, he told her that his parents really want him to get a scholarship and he has to focus.
I feel that. Parental pressure is the worst. And I’m so relieved to be free of it.
William reaches forward and grabs the stack of cards in my lap. His hands deliberately close over mine, and his fingers stroke my wrists for a second before he says, “Let me quiz you now.” He gently tugs the stack of cards away but drags his hand along my thigh instead of just picking them up.
I try not to gasp at the sensation, but I do hold my breath, and when William catches my eye, he grins.
He knows exactly what he’s doing. He leaves the cards on my thigh when he reaches the edge of my skirt, and then his thumb traces over my bare skin.
What is he doing? Why is he doing this in public? He knows Janie is right there. Raz and Kastros are just up front.
I clear my throat shakily. “Will you ask me science questions? That’s my weakest subject.”
He nods. “Sure.”
“Great. I started reviewing the infectious disease cards. I got through herpes but…” I trail off as William removes his hands from my thighs.
“Herpes, got it.” He bites down on a grin, and I try not to blush as I glance hesitantly at the front.
Kastros’s eyes are on me in the rearview mirror, not even on the road. And that tic in his jaw? It reminds me of that final night with my parents.
I wonder if it’s because I’m close to getting what I wished for. Once William and I are officially together, I think the terms of my summons cease. But the demons have become such an integral part of my life. I wonder if Kastros is as upset as I am that we’re so close to saying goodbye.
29
We arrive at the hotel a few hours later, wheeling in our luggage as Alanna squeals at the top of her lungs and Wade adopts an unimpressed look.
“I’ve seen better,” he tells me snidely as his eyes flicker to the five-tiered chandelier hanging in the entrance.
I have to admit—Kastros went all out when he booked this place for our stay. The hotel screams opulence and wealth. The lobby itself makes me think we transported back in time one